JP6797292B2 - Switch with lighting structure and display - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a switch to be illuminated, and more particularly to a switch including an illumination section extending around at least a portion of the outer edge of the switch.

Rocker switches provide discrete low profile switches for use in many different applications. In the off position, the switch prevents any flow of electricity or transmission of electrical signals. Electricity flows when the switch is activated or turned on. Rocker switches have many uses, but common uses include lighting switches, common power switches, and switches in circuit breakers. Rocker switches are especially useful when a low profile design is required.

During the operation of the rocker switch, the operation or stop of the switch by moving the rocker causes a mechanical operation inside the housing. When the user activates the switch, the part of the switch (rocker) outside the housing is moved. The rocker is connected to a pin, which causes the next action inside the housing to complete or disconnect the circuit (activate or stop the switch).

The rocker switch is designed to swivel around a pivot point, where the switch is typically actuated by pushing one side of the rocker downwards, so the overall rocker movement does not have to be large. In addition to this, the rocker is usually largely maintained within the switch housing, which can make it difficult to determine the current position of the rocker. This problem can be exacerbated when the rocker switch is installed in a dark environment.

Yet another problem we are trying to solve is the use of rocker switches in moist environments. One of the methods used by manufacturers for waterproof switches in wet or damp environments is to install elements that move almost completely within the switch housing and cover the surface of the switch with a waterproof material. However, this design makes it even more difficult to determine the position of the switch quickly and accurately by visual means alone.

Therefore, what is desired is a rocker switch and mechanism that solves the above limitations of conventional designs and is safe for use in damp and / or wet places.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a switch that provides a visual display of switch positions that is easy to see even in a dark environment.

It is further desired to provide a rocker switch that can be used in wet or damp places to provide a clear visual indication of the current position of the switch.

Further, it is desired to provide a rocker switch in which the switch is illuminated so that it is visually easy to find in a dark environment and a visual display regarding the position of the switch is realized.

In some configurations, the above and other objectives are achieved by providing a switch with illumination that extends at least partially around the outer edge of the switch. The illumination can be provided by an LED located within the switch housing, and the light emitted by the LED interacts with an illumination medium that sends light to a region along at least a portion of the outer edge of the switch. In one embodiment, the illumination medium can be a substantially rectangular illumination ring, which may be configured to function as a reactive function light. The rectangular illumination ring can be evenly lit so that light is evenly emitted from the entire ring. Alternatively, the rectangular illumination ring can be configured to illuminate only in the direction of the activated switch. Similarly, the ring can remain fully lit throughout the switch position.

The switch can also be sealed so that it can be used in either a damp or wet environment. In some configurations, the seal is maintained within the switch housing, but this design is completely sealed over the switch panel. Encapsulation is achieved by a design incorporating a liquid silicone rubber overmold. The sticker is thought to form both a pivot sticker (a sticker for rocker pivots) and two light diffusing lenses for icon illumination. In some configurations, the surface of the rocker switch, when activated at a certain position, illuminates the switch surface, which visually indicates the position of the switch, from a translucent or transparent part when the LED is turned on. As such, it is believed that it can have translucent or transparent portions.

It is believed that the rectangular illumination ring can provide uniform illumination around the outer edge of the switch in the absence of hot spots or shadows. This illumination is achieved by using indirect illumination of a rectangular lens with right angle LEDs. In one embodiment, four right angle LEDs are used. These LEDs are placed around the center of the switch and face outward toward the lens (ie, a rectangular illumination ring). In this configuration, the rectangular lens is molded and extends all around the switch without any breaks by using double molding. The double molding allows the rectangular lens to also function as a support structure between the inner and outer brackets, while still maintaining the transparency of the lens.

In certain situations, forming the inner and outer brackets as two separate parts can be advantageous to ensure perfectly uniform illumination of the rectangular illumination ring. For example, if the inner and outer brackets were molded as one part, this would require the plastic "bridge" to straddle the two parts, which would function to at least partially block the lens. , Shadows may occur in the rectangular illumination ring. This is especially true when the bracket contains opaque material.

Although the above switches have been described in relation to single-sided switches, it is conceivable that two-position or three-position switches may be used. For example, in a three-position configuration, when the switch is in the center position, the rectangular illumination ring can uniformly illuminate the entire perimeter of the switch. When the switch is pushed down so that one side of the switch is activated, the rectangular illumination ring can only illuminate the side of the activated switch. This provides a clear visual indication of the current position of the switch. Similarly, when the switch is actuated in the opposite position (eg, when the opposite side of the switch is pushed down), the opposite side of the rectangular illumination ring can be illuminated. This also provides a clear visual indication of switch position, even in environments at very dark levels.

Alternatively, the rectangular illumination ring can be illuminated consistently and uniformly, and the icons on the switch surface can be turned on and off based on the switch position.

Furthermore, the rectangular illumination ring can only be illuminated when the switch is activated, and the icons on the switch surface can be turned on and off based on the switch position.

These switch configurations are considered to be very useful in moist or wet environments, such as on control panels for boats that frequently encounter water and splashes. The switch configuration allows the operator to quickly determine the position of the switch on the control panel and quickly determine the position of the switch, even at night in very poor lighting conditions. The variable illumination of the rectangular illumination ring that indicates the position of the switch is also to provide a visual switch display when the operator is not near the control panel but needs to be able to visually locate the switch. Can also be useful.

The following terms and definitions shall apply to this application.

The terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one element, set, data, object or object from others, not to assign a relative position or temporal arrangement.

As used herein, the terms "combined", "combined with", "combined with", "connected", "connected to", and "connected to" "Done" means the relationship between or within two or more devices, devices, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and / or means, respectively, (a). Direct or connection, whether via one or more other devices, devices, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (b) direct , Or communication relationships, whether or not via one or more other devices, devices, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and / or (c). The behavior of any one or more devices, devices, files, programs, applications, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means may be whole or part of any other behavior of one or more. Consists of any one or more of the functional relationships that depend on the system.

In some configurations, the inner bracket, the outer bracket surrounding the inner bracket, and the inner bracket, which are movable relative to each other and have a first contact and a second contact corresponding to the closed and open states, cooperate with each other. A rocker switch with a switch is provided. The switch further comprises a lighting structure that extends around at least a portion of the outer edge of the switch and at least one LED that is located in the vicinity of the lighting structure. At least one LED is provided to illuminate diffused light through an illumination structure that indicates the location of the rocker switch.

In certain configurations, at least one LED illuminates only part of the lighting structure to indicate the location of the rocker switch.

In another configuration, the inner bracket, the outer bracket surrounding the inner bracket, the first contact set and the second contact set are provided, and each contact set is movable with respect to each other and corresponds to the closed state and the open state. A switch is provided with a rocker switch that works with an inner bracket, including a first contact and a second contact. The switch further comprises a base, the outer bracket is coupled to the base, and the first and second contact sets are mounted within the base. The switch extends all around the outer edge of the rocker switch, further comprising a lighting structure including a first end and a second end, further comprising a first LED and a second LED, the first The LED 1 is arranged adjacent to the first end of the lighting structure and the second LED is arranged adjacent to the second end of the lighting structure. In the rocker switch, the first contact set is closed, the second contact set is open, the first position, the first contact set and the second contact set are open, and the first position. The contact set is provided so that it can be moved to one of three positions in the closed third position with the contact set open. The rocker switch is further provided so that the lighting structure is illuminated to indicate the position of the rocker switch.

In certain configurations, the first LED illuminates only the first part of the lighting structure to indicate that the rocker switch is in the first position, and the second LED is the second part of the lighting structure. Only illuminate to indicate that the rocker switch is in the third position.

Other objects of the invention and their particular features and advantages will become more apparent from the discussion of the drawings and accompanying detailed description below.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an illuminated switch according to a configuration of the present invention, in which the switch is in the on position with icons indicating the illumination structure and the state of the switch. In the illuminated switch according to FIG. 1, it is a diagram showing that the switch is in the off position by using an illuminated structure in which the switch and an icon indicating the state of the switch are highlighted. In the illuminated switch according to FIG. 1, an icon indicating an illumination structure and a state of the switch is used to indicate that the switch is in the off position. In the illuminated switch according to FIG. 1, an icon indicating an illumination structure and a state of the switch is used to indicate that the switch is on in the first position. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing that the switch is on at a third position using an icon indicating the illuminated switch illumination structure and the state of the switch according to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing that in the illuminated switch according to FIG. 4, the switch is in the off position using an illuminated structure that is illuminated to highlight the switch and an icon indicating the state of the switch. In the illuminated switch according to FIG. 4, it is a diagram showing that the switch is in the off position by using an icon indicating the illumination structure and the state of the switch. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the illuminated switch according to FIGS. 4, 5 and 7. It is a notch view of the illuminated switch according to FIG. FIG. 9 is a cutout view of the illuminated switch according to FIG.

Although the figures are referred to here, the corresponding structures are indicated by the same reference numbers throughout the drawings.

1 to 3 show the configuration of a switch lighting system provided as a two-position switch (on / off). In FIG. 1, in this embodiment, a switch 100 with an illumination structure 102 formed as a rectangular structure having a first end 108 and a second end 109 is shown. The switch 100 also comprises a switch surface 104 containing a translucent or transparent material formed as an icon 106 on the switch surface 104. Although the switch examples provided herein show a switch formed as a rocker actuator, it is believed that a variety of different switch configurations can be effectively used.

In FIG. 1, the switch surface 104 is pushed down, thereby functioning to activate the switch 100. To provide a visual indication that the switch 100 is on, the illumination structure 102 extending along the outer edge of the switch surface 104 is depicted as being illuminated. The diagonal lines are provided to indicate that the light is diffused in and out of the illumination structure 102. The diagonal line is shown as a broken line with a gradually reduced thickness to indicate that the illumination of the illumination structure 102 gradually fades beyond the outer edge of the activated switch surface 104. You can see it.

It can also be seen in FIG. 1 that the icon 106 is illuminated to provide an indication that the switch is currently activated.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative configuration in which the illumination structure 102 extends all around the switch structure and is uniformly and completely lit, regardless of the position of the switch. This configuration can be very useful in dark environments to illuminate the position of the switch so that it is easy to find. The icon 106 is illuminated when the switch surface 104 is pushed down to activate the switch.

Further, FIG. 3 shows an off position with respect to FIG. 1, in which neither the illumination structure 102 nor the icon 106 is brightly lit, but shifts to the state shown in FIG. 1 when activated. It is believed that the illumination structure 102 or icon 106 may be very vaguely illuminated in FIG. 3 and then transition to the brightly illuminated state shown in FIG. Alternatively, neither the illumination structure 102 nor the icon 106 may be lit at all until the switch is activated.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, an alternative configuration of FIG. 1 can be seen. In these embodiments, the switch is provided as a three-position switch (1 on / off / 2 on).

In this configuration, the switch surface 104 is the first switch surface, and a second switch surface 105 on the opposite side of the first switch surface 104 is also provided. Similarly, the icon 106 comprises a first icon and a second icon 107 is also provided. The functions of the switches 100 of FIGS. 4 to 7 are similar to those described in relation to FIGS. 1 to 3, except that there are three switch positions instead of just two.

For example, referring to FIG. 4, the first switch surface 104 is pushed down, thereby activating the switch to the first position. The illumination structure 102 is illuminated in the area of the first end 108, and the first icon 106 is illuminated. This provides the user with a clear visual indication that the switch 100 is in the first position.

FIG. 5 shows a switch in a third position where the second switch surface 105 is pushed down. The illumination structure 102 illuminates the area of the second end 109 and illuminates the second icon 107. This provides the user with a clear visual indication that the switch 100 is in the third position.

6 and 7 show the lighting structure 102 and the icon are off (or dimly lit) when neither of the switch surfaces 104 or 105 is operating, and the switch is in the second position shown in FIG. It provides a visual indication that it is in the (off state), or the lighting structure 102 can always illuminate uniformly when neither of the switch surfaces 104, 105 is activated, but the icon is off (or vaguely). Shows an alternative configuration of the second position, which is lit) and provides a visual indication that the switch is in the second position (off state) shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a group of switches that can be provided as various configurations of FIGS. 4, 5 and 7.

With reference to FIG. 9, a notched view of the switch 100 showing the internal section of the base 110 to which the outer bracket 112 is fixed is shown. It is believed that the base 110 and the outer bracket 112 may include a plastic material. The outer bracket is provided with an undercut 114 that includes a gasket 116 intended to provide a waterproof seal when inserted into a surface opening such as a control panel surface with a flat structure. The outer bracket comprises teeth 118 that can engage the underside of the plane to which the switch 100 will be mounted.

LEDs 120 and 120'are also shown in FIG. These LEDs are provided as right angle LEDs and are designed to illuminate the light picked up and transmitted by the illumination structure 102. Although not shown, LEDs 120, 120'on both sides of the structure such that the two LEDs are located towards the first end 108 and the two LEDs are located towards the second end 109. There are two more LEDs corresponding to. Thus, when all four LEDs are on, the indirect illumination of the illumination structure 102 is provided so that very uniform and uniform illumination can occur in the illumination structure 102.

The base 110 includes two sets of contacts including a first fixed contact 130, a first movable contact 132, a second fixed contact 134 and a second movable contact 136. An actuator assembly 137 is further provided and used to apply force to the switch lever coupled to the movable contact. As better seen in FIG. 10, the switch comprises a sub-rocker 150 that interacts with the actuator assembly 137, thereby causing movement of the movable contact arm depending on the position of the switch. In some configurations, the sub-rocker 150 transmits the switch pivot through the snap latch on the inner bracket 140.

Although various pin configurations corresponding to contact connection points and feeding points for switch electronics have been shown, it is conceivable that many different connection means can be effectively utilized with the present invention.

Functionally, when the first switch surface 104 is pushed down, it functions to close the first fixed contact 130 and the first movable contact 132. When the switch is in the intermediate position, both contact sets are in the open position (shown in FIG. 9). Finally, when the second switch surface 105 is pushed down, it functions to close the second fixed contact 134 and the second movable contact 136. It is believed that the illumination of the illumination structure 102 can be achieved as described in connection with FIGS. 4-7.

With reference to FIG. 10, a notch at the top of the switch is shown.

As can be seen, the inner bracket 140 is provided and maintained within the outer bracket 112. The inner bracket 140 provides a structure for forming a main pivot for the switch and is used therefor. The lighting structure 102 is fixed between the inner bracket 140 and the outer bracket 112.

The switch surfaces LEDs 142 and 142'arranged on the circuit board 144 are also shown in FIG. The switch surfaces LEDs 142 and 142'are arranged so that the light emitted by the LEDs extends to the light shielding plates 146 and 146'formed in the inner bracket 140. Light then passes through the seal 148 and then through a translucent or transparent material provided on the surface of the switch described in connection with FIGS. 1-7. The shading plates 146 and 146'function to keep the icons and lighting structures lit separately from each other.

The seal 148 is provided so as to lie on the inner bracket 140 and effectively seals the area above the base 110 and the seal 148. In this way, water entering the upper part of the switch 100 (above the seal 140) is transmitted to the circuit board 144 and is prevented from passing into the base 110 in which the contacts are arranged.

In some configurations, the seal 148 comprises a liquid silicone rubber seal and a light diffusing lens for lighting the icon. It should be noted that the rocker switch comprises a sub-rocker 150 extending downward into the base 110 from the top of the switch. However, the seal extends downward and is provided to completely surround the sub-rocker to ensure that water does not enter the base 110 downward from the top of the switch above the seal 148.

Although various embodiments have been described for rocker actuators, it is believed that actuators other than rocker actuators can be effectively used by the present invention. Similarly, two-position switches and three-position switches have been used as examples of switch configurations, but it is believed that other multi-position switches can be effectively utilized.

The use of an illuminated ring that extends around the switch can be very effective in providing a visual indication of the position of the switch in very dark environments such as on a boat at night. Similarly, a lighting ring that is lit according to the switch position provides a very visible visual indication of the switch position, even in dark environments, or even when looking at the switch from a distance or at an angle.

It is further believed that the illumination ring may provide light as a particular color indicating the state of the switch. For example, if the switch is a three-way switch as provided in FIGS. 4-7, the illumination is provided in green in FIG. 4 to indicate that the switch is provided in the first position. The same can be done for the switch positions shown in FIG. However, if the switch is in an intermediate position where none of the contacts are closed, the illumination ring will be illuminated with a different color, such as red, to indicate that the switch is in the off position.

The same configuration can be used for icon lighting. When the switch is in the on position, the icon can be lit with a green light when it is lit. Alternatively, when the switch is in the off position, the icon is illuminated with a different color, such as red (low light level), which can indicate the state of the switch. Many different lighting configurations can be used without departing from the present invention.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific arrangements of parts, features, etc., these are not intended to exhaust any possible arrangements or features and are in fact many other modifications and modifications. Will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims (16)

The structure of the switch
With the inner bracket
The outer bracket that surrounds the inner bracket and
A switch housed in the inner bracket , which is movable relative to each other and has a first contact and a second contact corresponding to the closed and open states.
An illumination structure that is fixed between the inner bracket and the outer bracket and surrounds the outer edge of the switch.
A base that is coupled to the outer bracket and has the first and second contacts inside.
A waterproof seal that is attached to the inner bracket and prevents water from passing from the inner bracket into the base.
It comprises at least two light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in the vicinity of the lighting structure.
The switch comprises at least one switch surface that is rotatable between at least two operating positions with respect to the inner bracket , the outer bracket and the lighting structure.
The at least two LEDs illuminate the light diffused through the illumination structure.
Which of the at least two operating positions the at least one switch surface is located is indicated based on which of the at least two LEDs is illuminating .
The waterproof seal is a switch structure including a light diffusing lens . The switch structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least two LEDs illuminate only a part of the lighting structure. The switch structure according to claim 1 , wherein the outer bracket comprises an undercut and further comprises the gasket so that the switch can be mounted in a cutout on the surface where the gasket provides a waterproof seal. The switch structure according to claim 1 , wherein the waterproof seal contains silicone rubber. The switch structure according to claim 1 , wherein the switch comprises a rocker switch, the rocker switch having at least one switch surface having an area comprising either a translucent or transparent material. Further comprising a switching area LED located within the inner bracket, the inner bracket, even without least include one of the light shielding plate, said switch surface LED, the transmitted at least one of the light shielding plate, and said switch surface the translucent or said you irradiation light transmitted through the transparent material, the structure of the switch according to claim 5. The switch has at least two positions such that the contact set is closed in the first position and the contact set is open in the second position, and when the contact set is closed, the switch surface. The switch structure according to claim 6 , wherein the light from the LED illuminates the translucent or transparent material on the switch surface. The switch surface includes a first switch surface, the switch includes a second switch surface, and each switch surface has either a translucent material or a transparent material.
The switch surface LED includes a first switch surface LED and a second switch surface LED, and both the first switch surface LED and the second switch surface LED are arranged in the inner bracket.
The inner bracket comprises at least two light-shielding plates, and each switch surface LED transmits light through the corresponding light-shielding plate and is transmitted through either the translucent or the transparent material of the corresponding switch surface. as such, the are arranged on one of the two light shielding plates, the structure of the switch according to claim 7. The switch has at least three positions
The contact set includes a first contact set and the switch includes a second contact set.
At the first switch position, the first contact set is closed, the second contact set is open, and the first switch surface LED is the translucent or said that is associated with the first switch surface. Irradiate the light that passes through the transparent material,
In the second position, the first contact set and the second contact set are open.
At the third position, the first contact set is open, the second contact set is closed, and the second switch surface LED is the translucent or the transparent associated with the second switch surface. The switch structure according to claim 8 , which irradiates light transmitted through the material. The switch structure according to claim 9 , wherein each of the translucent or transparent materials associated with the at least two switch surfaces comprises an icon. The lighting structure is formed as a single integral structure, and the lighting structure formed as a rectangular structure has a first end portion and a second end portion, any one of claims 1 to 10. The switch structure described in the section. The at least two LEDs include a first LED and a second LED, and the switch further includes a third LED and a fourth LED.
The first LED and the second LED are arranged adjacent to the first end of the lighting structure, and the third LED and the fourth LED are the second LED of the lighting structure. The structure of the switch according to claim 11 , which is arranged adjacent to the end of the LED. The switch structure according to claim 12 , wherein the at least four LEDs include LEDs that irradiate light at 90 degrees with respect to the mounting direction. 13. The structure of a switch according to claim 13 , wherein the switch comprises a rocker switch having at least two opposite switch surfaces. The rocker switch has three positions, the contact set includes a first contact set, and the switch further includes a second contact set.
At the first switch position, the first contact set is closed, the second contact set is open, and the first LED and the second LED are the first end of the lighting structure. Irradiate the light that passes through
In the second position, the first contact set and the second contact set are open.
At the third switch position, the first contact set is open, the second contact set is closed, and the third LED and the fourth LED are the second end of the lighting structure. The structure of the switch according to claim 14 , which irradiates light transmitted through the switch. The structure of the rocker switch
With the inner bracket
The outer bracket that surrounds the inner bracket and
The inner bracket comprises a first contact set and a second contact set, each contact set being movable relative to each other and comprising a first contact and a second contact corresponding to closed and open states. With the stored rocker switch
A base, wherein the outer bracket is coupled to the base, and the first contact set and the second contact set are mounted in the base.
A first portion fixed between the inner bracket and the outer bracket, which surrounds the outer edge of the rocker switch and has a first end and a second portion having a second end. The lighting structure and
A first light emitting diode (LED) and a second LED that are capable of emitting light separately from each other, the first LED being arranged adjacent to the first end of the lighting structure and the second. The LEDs are the first LED and the second LED, which are arranged adjacent to the second end of the lighting structure .
A waterproof seal that is mounted on the inner bracket and prevents water from passing from the inner bracket into the base.
The rocker switch comprises at least one switch surface that is rotatable relative to the inner bracket , the outer bracket and the lighting structure.
On the switch surface of the rocker switch, the first contact set is closed, the second contact set is open, the first position, the first contact set and the second contact set are open. The second contact set is movable between the three positions of the second position, and the third position where the first contact set is open and the second contact set is closed.
The lighting structure is illuminated by the first LED and the second LED, and the switch surface of the rocker switch is said to be based on which of the first LED and the second LED is illuminating. It shows which of the three positions it is in,
The waterproof seal Ru provided with a light diffusing lens structure of a rocker switch.

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